Ridge of Capard

Rising above the Laois lowlands, this expansive peat-covered shoulder of the Slieve Bloom Mountains is defined by its extensive boardwalk. The trail protects the fragile blanket bog while guiding walkers toward panoramic views. It is a gentle but exposed landscape, offering a sense of immense space in the heart of Ireland.

• •The name derives from the Irish Ceapach Ard, meaning 'High Tillage' or 'High Plot,' likely referring to historical agricultural attempts on the more fertile lower fringes of the moorland.
• •To protect the sensitive blanket bog habitat, a lengthy section of the Slieve Bloom Way follows a wooden boardwalk across the plateau, providing firm footing through notoriously soft, waterlogged terrain.
• •The summit area features the 'Stony Man,' a notable ancient cairn that acts as a primary landmark for walkers navigating the often featureless and misty high ground.
• •On a clear day, the vantage point offers a sweeping 360-degree view across the Irish midlands, reaching as far as the Wicklow Mountains to the east and the peaks of the Silvermines to the west.
• •Despite its name, the 'ridge' is so broad and flat that the most significant vertical challenge is often stepping up onto the boardwalk.